130 REPORT 1871. 



simpler bodies of tlie two kingdoms of nature exhibit a gradually increasing re- 

 semblance to each other, until at last the dift'erences between them wholly disap- 

 pear, and we reach a point of contact at which the properties become almost in- 

 distinguishable, as in the remarkable Protista of Haeckel and others. I fiUly agree, 

 however, with the view stated by Professor WyviUe Thomson in his recent intro- 

 ductory lecture, that it is not necessary on this accoimt to recognize, with Haeckel, 

 a third or intermediate kingdom of nature. Each kingdom presents, as it were, a 

 radiating expansion into groups for itself, so that the relations of the two king- 

 doms mi"-ht be represented by the divergence of lines spreading in two different 

 directions from a common point. Recent observations on the chorda dorsalis, or 

 supposed notochord, of some Ascidians, tend to re\-ive the discussion, at one time 

 prevalent, but long in abeyance, as to the possibility of tracing an homology be- 

 tween the vertebrate and invertebrate animals ; and, should this coiTespondence be 

 confirmed and extended, it may be expected to modify greatly our present views 

 of zoological affinities and classification. It will also be an additional proof of the 

 unportance of minute and embryological research in systematic determinations. 

 The recognition of homological resemblance of animals, to which in this country 

 the researches of Owen and Huxley have contributed so largely, form one of the 

 most interesting subjects of contemplation in the study of comp.arative anatomy 

 and zoology in our time ; but I must refrain from touching on so seductive and 

 difficult a subject. 



There is another topic to which I can refer with pleasure as connected with the 

 cultivation of biological knowledge in this countiy, and that is the introduction 

 of instruction in natural science into the system of education of our schools. As 

 ^o the feasibility of this in the primary schools, I believe most of those who 

 are intimately acquainted with their management have expressed a decidedly 

 fiivourable opinion — it being found that a portion of the time now allotted to the 

 three great requisites of a primary education might with advantage be set apart, 

 for the purpose of insti-ucting the pupils in subjects of common interest, calculated 

 to awaken in their minds a desire for knowledge of the various objects presented 

 by the iield of natm-e around them. As to the benefit which may result from this 

 measure to the persons so instructed, it is scarcely necessary for me to say anything 

 in this place. It is so obvious that any varied knowledge, however easily acquired 

 or elementary, which tends to enlarge the range of observation and thought, must 

 have some effect in removing its recipients from grosser influences, and may even 

 supply information which may prove useful in social economy and in the occupa- 

 tions of labour. Nor need I point out how much more extended the advantages 

 of such instruction may prove if introduced into the system of our secondary 

 schools, and more freely combined than heretofore with the too exclusively 

 literaiy and philosophical study which has so long prevailed in the approved 

 J3ritish education. Without disparagement to those modes of study as in them- 

 selves necessary and useful, and excellent means of disciplining the mind to learn- 

 ing, I cannot but hold it as certain that the mind which is entirely without scien- 

 tific cultivation is but half prepared for the common pui-poses of modern life, and 

 is entirely unqualified for forming a judgment on some of the most difficult and 

 yet most common and important questions of the day, affecting the interests of the 

 whole community. I refer with pleasure to the published Essay of Dr. Lankester 

 on this subject, and to the arguments addressed two days ago by Dr. Bennett to 

 the medical graduates of the University, in favour of the establishment of physi- 

 ology as a subject of general education in this country with reference to sanitary 

 conditions. It is gi-atifyiug, therefore, to perceive that the suggestions made some 

 years ago in regard to this subject by the British .Vssociation, through its com- 

 mittee, have already borne good fruit, and that the attention of those who preside 

 over education in this country, as well as of the public tliemselves, is more earnestly 

 directed to the object of securing for the lowest as well as the highest classes of 

 tlie commimity that wholesome combination of knowledge derived from education, 

 which will duly cultivate all the faculties of the mind, and thus fit a greater and 

 greater number for applying themselves with increased ability and knowledge to 

 the purposes of their living and its improved condition. If the law of the survival 

 of the fittest be applicable to the mental as well as to the physical improvement 



